DSP Advocacy Council January 2024 CEO Report

January 2024 Activities

• January DSP Advocacy Council Meeting A presentation from Dr. Carol Britton Laws regarding the opportunity for the DSPAC to participate in the workforce development pilot. In addition, the DSPAC were asked if they would be interested in assisting with the development of exam scenarios for the first DSP credentialing exam in the US! All members were excited about both opportunities. 8 out of the 9 members signed up to participate in the training pilot and were accepted. All will be eligible for the $5000 upon completion. The DSPAC are beginning to identify other priorities that include an idea around educating high school students regarding the role of a DSP. Members feel this might be a good strategy for workforce development and for the next generation of DSPs. Further exploration of this will continue.
• Unlock One member is participating and representing the DSPAC in the Unlock advocacy training. This is the first time a DSP has been included in Unlocks advocacy training and development. Alfreda Hall presented her mock testimony at the Capitol in January and did a fabulous job describing the role of the DSP. I was also honored to be a mock legislator and hear Alfreda’s testimony firsthand. Alfreda shared her experience with the other members of the DSP Council at the January meeting.
• Letters to Legislators The DSPAC sent letters to their respective legislators about supporting the Waiver and Wages initiative, which is also a legislative priority by many other advocacy organizations. The letter also included a request for legislators to make sure the rate study is kept in the Governor’s budget.
• SUN Debbie was a guest at the Community Strong January meeting to discuss the role of the DSP council and how self-advocates could support and advocate for DSPs.